FRANCIS BOUILLON GETS ONE YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

‘Defenceman Francis Bouillon is one of those players that grows on you. He’s certainly done that with Montreal fans. Still, when Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin rearched out for him as a free agent, there were some concerns about his age. Bouillon has become another piece of the roster puzzle that has helped turn the franchise around. He has fit nicely into the team’s third defensive pairing and, at age 37, clearly earned a one year contract extension for his effort.

Bouillon has not missed a game this season and is plus-5 with 30 blocked shots and, despite his 5’9″ size, ranks third on the team in hits.

Bouillon spent ten years in the Canadiens organization before he was let go to free agency in the Bob Gainey roster purge of 2009. He was forced to accept a 750 thousand dollar contract with Nashville, which was extended two years when the Predators became aware of the nuances of Bouillon’s game. Because of his age, Nashville was reluctant to re-sign him and Bergevin stepped in.

The new contract calls for 1.5 million dollars, the same terms as his 2012-2013 contract.

From the Canadiens Communications Department

MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced Wednesday a one-year contract extension for defenseman Francis Bouillon (2013-14). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The 37-year old Bouillon played in each of the Canadiens 28 games since the start of the 2012-13 season. In his 13th NHL season and 10th with the Canadiens, he has recorded seven points (1 goal and 6 assists). He shows a +5 differential and 30 blocked shots. He ranks third on the team with 48 hits. Bouillon served eight penalty minutes and is averaging 18:01 of ice time per game.

Since making his NHL debut, the 5’ 8’’ and 197 lbs defenseman has registered 141 points (30 goals, 111 assists) in 704 regular season games. Seven of his goals came on the powerplay, one while shorthanded and he accounts for seven game-winning goals. Bouillon added nine points (2 goals, 7 helpers) in 41 career NHL playoff games.

Bouillon joined the Canadiens organization as a free agent on July 2, 2012.